Cultural Commentary
“Last Tech” . . . My How Things Change!
Thursday, March 11th, 2010On a recent Southwest airlines flight, I read a fascinating article in Spirit, the official airline magazine. “Last Tech” by Lauren Parajon (March 2010, pp. 82-92) chronicled some recent technological changes. Some of these were familiar; some were surprising. You can read the whole article here, without even buying a Southwest ticket. I’ll supply a […]
NY Times: “Microsoft’s Creative Destruction”
Monday, February 8th, 2010Last Thursday I read a striking op-ed piece in the New York Times. It was written by Dick Brass, a former VP for Microsoft. Brass argues that Microsoft has become a place where genuine innovation is discouraged. Here are a few excerpts:
. . . Microsoft is no longer considered the cool or cutting-edge place to […]
Something to think about . . . .
Friday, January 22nd, 2010I read an AP story this morning by Ted Anthony: “Quake Relief: The culture of now v. the real world.” Anthony’s point is that there is a gap between people’s expectations for how quickly help shold come to the Haitian people and reality. Our ability to use technology to make instant contributions to the Haiti […]
On Snacking and Parenting
Thursday, January 21st, 2010I read a provocative piece in the New York Times today, “Snack Time Never Ends,” by Jennifer Steinhauer. Her basic observation (and gripe) has to do with the omnipresence of snacks for children. Here are a some excerpts:
Not a month goes by without someone somewhere asking me to serve up some snack for an event […]
The Office, the Wedding, and the Power of the Internet
Monday, October 12th, 2009Warning: The Office spoilers ahead.
If you have doubted the power of the Internet to impact culture, consider last week’s big event on The Office. After seasons of waiting, Pam and Jim finally got married. The “Niagara” episode offered its usual dosage of off-the-wall humor, plus some tender moments.
But one of the most clever and, for […]
The Honor System at DFW
Monday, May 11th, 2009Note: I’ll get back to my Thin Places series soon. Sorry for the delay.
On a recent trip through the Dallas Fort Worth airport, I was surprised that they’re selling copies of USA Today on the honor system. The copies of the newspaper are sitting out where anyone can take them. A little sign says: “For […]
“No God” Bus Signs
Saturday, January 24th, 2009The British Humanist Association is now putting advertisements on buses. They read: “THERE’S PROBABLY NO GOD. NOW STOP WORRYING AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE.”
I’m not surprised that some British atheists believe there’s probably no God, or even that they’re willing to pay good money to get our their “gospel.” I do find it curious, however, that […]
Zombie Shoppers
Monday, December 8th, 2008Are shoppers turning into zombies? Yes, they are, ccording to John Morris, a Wachovia retailing analyst. “You walk the mall, and consumers look like zombies. They’re there in person, but not in spirit.” Why zombie shopping? Because of the nation’s rising unemployment rate and the disappointing sales figures reported in October.
I saw this comment by […]